Live Video: Zola Jesus

Zola Jesus is the critically acclaimed gothic synth-pop project from 22-year-old Russian-American Nika Danilova, who began with the noise-based album The Spoils but quickly evolved into something more fueled by electronics with the release of the Stridulum and Stridulum II EPs. Whatever avenue her sound takes, Danilova’s best asset is her opera-trained voice, and when she releases its full potential, belting out like a woman possessed over dark synth washes, it’s impossible not to get shivers. The frontwoman recently brought her full band (including a lighting setup!) to the KEXP studios for a session of moody, thundering pop; watch below and fall under her spell.